In recent weeks I've been aiming to bump up my protein levels a little bit as I felt my progress had plateaued in my strength training workouts. I'd always been very much one for avoiding supplementing protein powders as I didn't like the idea of isolated protein and was never a big fan of the taste and texture of protein shakes.

However...

Everything changed for me when the new high-protein white hemp powder recently came on the market. Prior to this i'd typically resort to the natural green hemp which left a lot to be deciding the taste department unless well camouflaged. I buy my hemp protein here from Real Food Source (they sell both types of hemp) but I understand it's becoming more widely available wherever you are in the world. It's also a much higher protein ratio at 72% compared to the traditional green hemp at 50%, the main difference being the white hemp has had the fibre removed. For me, in following a plant-based diet I get so much fibre in my day-to-day meals that I haven't any concerns with this simple refining of the white hemp protein.

Seriously, if you're not a fan of plant-based protein powders, try this stuff. I still wouldn't go for many other protein powders and definitely not the flavoured pre-made blends with unnecessary ingredients, and to be honest I'm still not a fan of it in shakes (though I did make one I liked here). This mousse packs a huge protein punch plus a load of super foods in one hit... so for me it really does tick every box!

As with most of my recipes like this you can swap in and out ingredients to suit your tastebuds and also what you have to hand. Also I often use 20g of protein if I'm having a snack or 30g to 35g if I need more of a meal on the go when combine this with a green smoothie on the side and I'm ready to rock!

The recipe has been made numerous times since the photos were taken an I have added a few extra notes beneath the recipe based on my experiences.

Another quick note... I wouldn't leave out the raw cacao/cocoa as you do end up with more or a grey looking mousse and it also really help with the overall texture. Red berries might help to camouflage but I haven't tried that yet myself (I like chocolate too much!)

Recipe: Chocolate hemp mousse 

(based on 30g hemp- modify quantities as you see fit)

Ingredients:

• 30g hemp protein (approx. 1/2 scant cup)

• 1 heaped tbs raw cacao or cocoa powder

• 1 small banana mashed (see note) plus a drop of liquid stevia if desired

• 1 tbs chia or flax seeds

• 1 tsp maca powder

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 tsp amla powder (my new favourite- learn more here)

• approx 1/2 cup water

Method:

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mall bowl. Mix the jam, nut butter, and a little of the water to make a paste, mix this in to the dry ingredients and slowly add the remaining water until you reach your preferred thickness (note the chia thickens it up further)

You can decorate with extra nuts, cacao nibs, granola, dried fruit or my Wholeplus Toppers.

Notes: I originally used a banana to blend into the texture, but now I find i don't need to if I add a little sugar free jam and a dollop of nut butter instead which I now prefer- higher protein count for the overall volume which is my overall aim.

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